Some of the most consistent reports of success came from those using the iPhone App on the iPhone itself. (Personally, I was able to order doing this, after failing to navigate the order process via either the AT&T or Apple Web sites.)

Others, such as tech writer Danny Sullivan, claimed they received a message via the Apple online store saying that the company was having trouble connecting to carrier servers to process orders. Instead, Apple would reserve a phone for those who logged in to their Apple accounts, and email those users later when the company was able to reconnect with carrier servers.

Verizon Wireless — the only carrier that seemed to stand up reasonably well to the rush of preorders — took the time to capitalize on some of the site problems that its competitors were having. As irate AT&T and Sprint customers swore to jump ship out of frustration, Verizon’s customer support Twitter account welcomed the angry users with open arms:

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